Local musician to hold benefit for ill friend

November 21, 2011|Kayla Pongrac | Our Town Correspondent

Jim Donovan is hosting a benefit concert Nov. 25 at Artworks in Johnstown

When Jim Donovan learned that his longtime friend Jaqui MacMillan had a tumor the size of a watermelon in her abdomen and was in need of a costly operation, he knew that he had to do something to help.

Donovan, a founding member of the band Rusted Root and an award-winning drum circle facilitator, turned to what he knows best: Music.

Donovan is hosting a benefit concert Nov. 25 at Artworks in Johnstown, beginning at 7:30 p.m. "Drum and Dance for a Friend" features Donovan, the Kulani Dance Troupe and the Saint Francis University World Drumming Ensemble.

There will be a suggested donation of $10 at the door. Donovan stressed, however, that he does not want people to be turned away if they can't meet that price.

"Come if you only have $1," said Donovan, a faculty member at St. Francis University. "It's as much about being there as it is about the financial donation."

All of the proceeds will go toward MacMillan's surgery and recuperation costs, which are estimated to be approximately $35,000. MacMillan does not have health insurance, and her requests for medical assistance have been declined.

MacMillan is a musician who has dedicated her life to the art of drumming and musical expression. She is a student of the late Nigerian master drummer Babatunde Olatunji and has performed throughout the region.

"She comes to Saint Francis every summer for the Summer Rhythm Renewal," Donovan said. "The thing that's incredible about (MacMillan) is how she inspires people, especially kids. She really has spent her life empowering people and helping people. She's just a dear, dear soul.

"She's one of those people who has given, given and given her entire life. She also works with women who have been through domestic violence. This person in particular has really gone out of her way in her life."

Becky Bickford, the lead dancer in the West African dance group Kulani Dance Troupe, echoed the same sentiments about MacMillan.

"She's such an amazing woman and such a bright spirit," Bickford said.

The Kulani Dance Troupe plans to give a performance, then invite participants to dance with them.

"It's kind of a like a performance slash dance party," she said. "We want to get a lot of people there just to have a good time. We want to put out good energy and dedicate that to (MacMillan)."

The family-friendly, all-ages event is rounded out by an auction, bake sale and raffle. Donovan said that MacMillan has expressed her appreciation for the help she has received thus far.

"She's gotten such an outpouring of help," he said. "I really think she's seen the value of allowing herself to be helped. At first, she wasn't asking anybody for help. She wasn't even telling anybody what was going on. She was taking the whole thing on herself."

Those who are not able to attend the event but would still like to help MacMillan are encouraged to do so by visiting "Benefits for Jaqui MacMillan" on Facebook. PayPal donations to Jaqui@erols.com will also be accepted, or checks can be sent to Jaqui's home at 3438 Littlestown Pike, Westminster, MD 21158.

Donovan said that if people are unable to donate money, well-wishes are received just as well.

"All these small streams of everyone doing something is really helping," he said.

For more information about "Drum and Dance for a Friend," call Artworks at 535-2020.